Serena O’Sullivan is a Phoenix-based news reporter and content editor at KTAR News since 2023. Serena’s career includes roles as a reporter for Arizona Republic, Phoenix New Times and the Phoenix Business Journal. A Cronkite School graduate and SPJ award finalist, she also worked as a digital content coordinator, social media manager and freelance feature writer. Serena covers stories on politics, crime, policing, technology, education and more.
Expertise
- News writing
- Copy editing
- Radio reporting
- Project management
- Content strategy
Education
Arizona State University – Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications, with a minor in communications
Achievement & Awards
- First-generation college graduate
- Wrote cover story for Phoenix New Times in 2023
- Wrote cover story for Phoenix Business Journal in 2019
- Contributed to KTAR News’ regional Edward R. Murrow Award-winning newscast in 2024
Social media profiles
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ARIZONA ELECTION NEWS | Aug 28, 2026Hobbs criticizes Biggs over bill supporters say could have curbed FLDS child sex abuse
In 2013, a proposed bill would have allowed DPS to take over policing duties after the local marshal's office was accused of putting church interests ahead of child safety. The measure died while Biggs led the state Senate.
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ARIZONA TECHNOLOGY NEWS | Aug 27, 2026Which Arizona cities, counties, law enforcement agencies have stopped using Flock cameras?
Questions about privacy and recent examples of misuse are pushing some communities to reconsider their reliance on Flock automated license plate readers.
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ARIZONA TECHNOLOGY NEWS | Aug 27, 2026Arizona attorney general launches statewide review of Flock cameras amid wave of scrutiny
"Arizonans are rightfully concerned about the documented examples of the misuse of this technology as well as how it affects their privacy rights," Kris Mayes said.
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ARIZONA BUSINESS | Aug 27, 2026Arizona ranching leader says Trump’s beef import plan won’t lower prices, calls it ‘all wrong’
"The administration is trying to help our industry, but the short-term market manipulation fix I don't think's going to work," Brian DeGanahl said.
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ARIZONA EDUCATION NEWS | Aug 26, 2026GCU plans potential third ABA-accredited law school in Arizona, eyes 2027 opening
Pending approval, GCU's new law school could start teaching its first students as early as fall 2027 or spring 2028.
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UNITED STATES NEWS | Aug 26, 2026Tim Curry, legendary actor of ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ fame, dies at 80
Curry died Tuesday night at his home in Los Angeles, according to media reports.
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ARIZONA TRAFFIC | Aug 25, 2026Westbound Loop 202 Santan Freeway back open after crash
The Arizona Department of Transportation said a crash near Gilbert Road caused the closure around 1:30 p.m. The freeway reopened shortly before 3:30 p.m.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Aug 25, 2026Fugitive wanted for murder brought back to Arizona, sentenced to 18 years in prison
Antonio Rios was confronting a woman outside a Phoenix bar when one of her friends stepped in and told Rios to back off. The encounter turned into a fatal shooting, prosecutors said.
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ARIZONA WILDFIRES | Aug 25, 2026San Carlos Apache fire crew member dies while supporting fight against Frijoles Fire
A 62-year-old wildland fire support crew member named Randy Lupe died after a medical emergency, authorites said.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Aug 24, 2026Boat explosion on Lake Havasu leaves 2 women with serious burns
Deputies with the Mohave County Sheriff's Department found the boat completely engulfed in flames.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Aug 24, 2026Father accused of stealing thousands of dollars from Mesa Arts Center with 10-year-old arrested
Police said Jean Zintz and his son allegedly burglarized the center, then returned the next day to retrieve a water bottle Zintz had left behind.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Aug 24, 2026Phoenix Police chief has ‘unanswered questions’ after 2 officers arrested for violent traffic stop
"No one wanted to believe that it was on-duty Phoenix police officers, but when the evidence became overwhelming that it was, we had to take action," Phoenix Police Chief Matt Giordano said.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Aug 24, 2026Pedestrian dead after being struck by vehicle in Phoenix
The driver in the late-night crash near 48th and Van Buren streets stayed on the scene, police said.
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ARIZONA POLITICS NEWS | Aug 21, 2026Gov. Katie Hobbs cleared of wrongdoing in pay-for-play scandal
After two years of investigating allegations against Hobbs, the Arizona Attorney General's Office has found zero evidence against the Democrat.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Aug 21, 2026SAFE Alert canceled after nonverbal 23-year-old in Phoenix found safe
The Phoenix Police Department said Payden Deontae Simmons was found safe and would be reunited with his family.
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ARIZONA ELECTION NEWS | Aug 20, 2026U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly optimistic about Gov. Katie Hobbs: ‘I think she’s gonna get reelected’
The Democratic Senator said he approves of her pick for lieutenant governor, describing John Giles as a "really good guy."
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ARIZONA NEWS | Aug 20, 2026Phoenix police seek 4 men seen near scene of fatal soccer game beating in Maryvale
Tumusifu Bazirake died after being attacked in a field near Sueno Park in Maryvale on Aug. 6.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Aug 20, 2026Scottsdale mayor says she never skipped court over speeding ticket, calls controversy ‘a setup’
Mayor Lisa Borowsky said she would have paid the $334 speeding ticket. "How could I ever have paid anything that I didn’t even know existed?"
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ARIZONA NEWS | Aug 20, 2026Chief addresses use-of-force investigation into 2 Phoenix officers: ‘The allegations are serious’
The officers are accused of beating a man, using a stun gun on him and his girlfriend and not reporting the traffic stop or activating body-worn cameras.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Aug 19, 2026Truck driver sentenced after undocumented migrant he was smuggling died in Tucson crash
Prosecutors said he caused a crash on Interstate 10 two years ago, which left one dead and two others seriously injured.
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ARIZONA TRAFFIC | Aug 19, 2026US 60/Grand Avenue reopens in both directions in Phoenix after motorcycle crash
The crash took place around 7 a.m. at 23rd and Grand avenues., according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Aug 19, 2026Toddler left in Mesa garage on 111-degree day later tested positive for fentanyl, police say
A medical examination also found methamphetamine and THC in the 2-year-old boy's system, according to court documents.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Aug 18, 2026Mesa man sentenced to 26 years in prison for sexually exploiting minor
"My office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who preys on Arizona's children," the state's attorney general said.
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ARIZONA NEWS | Aug 17, 2026Fentanyl, meth trafficker for Phoenix drug ring sentenced to 10 years in prison
While searching Anthony Mead's home, investigators found more than 11,400 fentanyl pills and 4.1 pounds of meth, according to prosecutors.